A bridge and an all-season road will be constructed to the Pikagikum First Nation.
The bridge has been in discussions for years, but on Wednesday, the federal and provincial governments finally committed to building it.
It will be the Dogrib Rapids Bridge over the Berens River and will be done in partnership with the Whitefeather Forestry Community Resource Management Authority.
Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford says the bridge and all-season road project will be able to increase wood harvesting in the Whitefeather Forest and support year-round access to Pikangikum.
Federal Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu says the bridge and all-weather road will boost economic development in the region and improve economic opportunities for First Nations in the area.
The bridge and all-weather road are expected to cost about $76.4 million, to be shared by the province and the federal government.
The hope is to break ground next year.
The six remote First Nations are expected to benefit through improved winter road connections.
They include Poplar Hill First Nation, McDowell Lake First Nation, Deer Lake First Nation, North Spirit Lake First Nation, Sandy Lake First Nation, and Keewaywin First Nation.
The Ontario government says its duty to consult area First Nations will be fulfilled as the project progresses.
(Photo: proposed design of the Berens River bridge)
